Touch sensing unit and display device including the same

ABSTRACT

A touch sensing unit, includes a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes intersecting with and insulated from the plurality of first sensing electrodes. The plurality of first sensing electrodes includes a plurality of first sensor portions and a plurality of first connection portions connecting each of the plurality of first sensor portions with one another. The plurality of second sensing electrodes includes a plurality of second sensor portions, a plurality of stem sensors extended from the plurality of second sensor portions, and a plurality of second connection portions connecting each of the plurality of sensor portions with one another. Each of the plurality of first sensor portions includes a plurality of depressions indented inwardly. Each of the plurality of stem sensors is disposed such that it is at least partially surrounded by a respective depression of the plurality of depressions.

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/148,534, filed on Jan. 13, 2021, which is a Continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/359,711 filed on Jul. 2, 2019 wclaims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0112025 filedon Sep. 19, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display device and, morespecifically, to a touch sensing unit and a display device including thesame.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Display devices are an important component of various products, as theymay be used in displaying multimedia. There are many different types ofdisplay devices available today. Examples of commonly used displaydevices include organic light-emitting display (OLED) devices andliquid-crystal display (LCD) devices.

Modern user interfaces, such as those used in smartphones and tabletcomputers, commonly utilize touch as a primary means of input. To sensethe touch of a user, a touch sensing unit may be used. Touch sensingunits may be incorporated into a display device so that a single surfacemay be used for displaying multimedia and sensing touch input. Forexample, a touch sensor may be attached to one surface of a displaypanel or may be fabricated integrally with a display panel. A user caninput information by pressing or touching the touch sensing unit whileviewing images displayed on the screen of the display device.

SUMMARY

A touch sensing unit, includes a plurality of first sensing electrodesand a plurality of second sensing electrodes intersecting with andinsulated from the plurality of first sensing electrodes. The pluralityof first sensing electrodes includes a plurality of first sensorportions and a plurality of first connection portions connecting each ofthe plurality of first sensor portions with one another. The pluralityof second sensing electrodes includes a plurality of second sensorportions, a plurality of stem sensors extended from the plurality ofsecond sensor portions, and a plurality of second connection portionsconnecting each of the plurality of sensor portions with one another.Each of the plurality of first sensor portions includes a plurality ofdepressions indented inwardly. Each of the plurality of stem sensors isdisposed such that it is at least partially surrounded by a respectivedepression of the plurality of depressions.

A display device includes a base layer having a display area and anon-display area at least partially surrounding the display. A pluralityof first signal lines is disposed on a first side border of thenon-display area. A plurality of second signal lines is disposed on asecond side border of the non-display area. A ground line is disposed ona third border of the non-display area. A plurality of first sensingelectrodes is disposed in the display area and is connected to theplurality of first signal lines. A plurality of second sensingelectrodes is disposed in the display area, is connected to theplurality of second signal lines, and intersects with and is insulatedfrom the plurality of first sensing electrodes. A plurality of groundelectrodes disposed in the display area, connected to the ground line,and disposed between the plurality of first sensing electrodes and theplurality of second sensing electrodes. Each of the ground electrodes ofthe plurality of ground electrodes are insulated from the plurality offirst sensing electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant aspects thereof will become more apparent by describing indetail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attacheddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an organic light-emitting displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an organic light-emitting displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a structureof a touch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of atouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a layout view illustrating an area AA1 of the touch sensingunit shown in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area AA2 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I1-I1′ of FIG. 6 inthe touch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I2-I2′ of FIG. 5 inthe touch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a touch sensingunit when a touch event has occurred according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II1-II1′ of FIG. 10in a touch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of atouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAB1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAB2 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensing unit,taken along line III1-III1′ of FIG. 13, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensing unit,taken along line III2-III2′ of FIG. 14, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a touch sensingunit when a touch event has occurred according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a touch sensing unit, taken alongline IV1-IV1′ of FIG. 18, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of atouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAC1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAC2 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensing unit,taken along line V1-V1′ of FIG. 23, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensing unit,taken along line V2-V2′ of FIG. 23, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of atouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAD1 of the touch sensing unit of FIG. 26;

FIGS. 28 and 29 are layout views illustrating a part of touch sensingunits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a plan view schematically illustrating an arrangement of atouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 31 is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to areaAF1 of the touch sensing unit of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a layout view illustrating a part of touch sensing unitsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view illustrating area AG1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI1-VI1′ of FIG. 34;and

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating an organic light-emittingdisplay device according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant aspects thereof may be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description of embodiments and the accompanyingdrawings. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully conveythe concept of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers may be present.

Display devices, according to a variety of exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, may be used as a display screen of a variety ofdevices that display video or still image. The various display devicesmay be configured to display video or still images either monoscopicallyor stereoscopically. These display devices may be incorporated intoportable electronic devices such as a mobile communications terminal, asmart phone, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a smart watch, and anavigation device, as well as stationary electronic devices, such as atelevision, a monitor, an electronic billboard, and a smart householddevice, such as an Internet of Things device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, an organic light-emitting display device will bedescribed as an example of a display device. It is, however, to beunderstood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thedisplay device, according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure, can also be applied to other display devices such as aliquid-crystal display device, a field emission display device, anelectrophoretic device, a quantum-dot display device, or a micro LEDdisplay device, without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Like reference numerals may denote like elements throughoutthe specification and the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an organic light-emitting display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of the organic light-emitting display deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the organic light-emitting display device 1 mayhave a substantially rectangular shape that is longer in a firstdirection dr1 than in a second direction dr2, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the border of theorganic light-emitting display device 1 may include longer sidesextended in the first direction dr1 and shorter sides extended in thesecond direction dr2.

As used herein, for convenience of illustration, the vertical directionin the drawings is defined as a first direction dr1, and the horizontaldirection is defined as a second direction dr2. In addition, a directionorthogonal to the first direction dr1 and to the second direction dr2 isdefined as a third direction dr3 and may extend in the direction outfrom the page. In addition, as inclined directions different from thefirst direction dr1 and the second direction dr2 on the plane, adirection extended in the upper left direction with respect to theimaginary reference point is defined as a fourth direction dr4, adirection extended in the upper right direction with respect to theimaginary reference point is defined as a fifth direction dr5, adirection extended in the lower left direction with respect to theimaginary, reference point is defined as a sixth direction dr6, and adirection extended in the lower right direction with respect to theimaginary reference point is defined as a seventh direction dr7. It isto be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure arenot limited by the directions defined above and the first to seventhdirections dr1 to dr7 are relative directions provided for illustrativepurposes.

The organic light-emitting display device 1 may include a display areaDA1 and a non-display area NDA.

The display area DA1 is defined as an area for displaying images. Theorganic light-emitting display device 1 may include a plurality ofpixels that are entirely disposed within the display area DA1. Thedisplay area DA1 may also be used as an area for recognizing a user'stouch input as well as the area for displaying images.

The non-display area NDA is defined as an area where no image isdisplayed. For example, none of the pixels are disposed within thenon-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be disposed on theouter side of the display area DA1 and may at least partially surroundthe display area DA1.

A speaker module, a camera module, a sensor module, etc. may be disposedin a certain part of the non-display area NDA. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor module may include aluminance sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, and or anultrasonic sensor.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the organic light-emitting display device 1 may include afirst substrate 10, a circuit layer 20 disposed on the first substrate10, a light-emitting element layer 30 disposed on the circuit layer 20,an encapsulation layer 40 disposed on the light-emitting element layer30, a touch layer 50 disposed on the encapsulation layer 40, and asecond substrate 60 disposed on the touch layer 50. It is, however, tobe understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Eachof the layers may be made up of either a signal layer or multiplelayers. Another layer may be added or some of the layers describedherein may be omitted, as desired. The stacked structure of the organiclight-emitting display device 1 will be described later with referenceto FIG. 35.

As shown in FIG. 35, the second substrate 60 includes a cover window601. The upper surface of the cover window 601 may be the surface onwhich a users input means (e.g. a finger or stylus) touches.

As shown in FIG. 3, the organic light-emitting display device 1 mayinclude a touch sensing unit 50 a. In an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the touch sensing unit 50 a may be disposed in thetouch layer 50. The arrangement of constituent elements of the touchsensing unit 50 a will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating thestructure of the touch sensing unit, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan viewschematically showing the arrangement of the touch sensing unitaccording to the above exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the touch sensing unit 50 a may have amulti-layer structure and may be disposed on a base layer 51. The touchsensing unit 50 a includes pluralities of sensing electrodes 510 and520, a plurality of signal lines 530, 540 and 550 connected to theplurality of sensing electrodes 510 and 520, and at least one insulatinglayer (e.g., a first touch insulating layer 53). The touch sensing unit50 a may be configured to sense an input from an external source by, forexample, capacitive sensing. In general, the pluralities of sensingelectrodes 510 and 520 are arranged in the area falling within thedisplay area DA1 described above, and the plurality of signal lines 530,540 and 550 are arranged in the area falling within the non-display areaNDA, and the at least one insulating layer 53 may be disposed over theentire surface of the display area DA1 and the non-display area NDA. Itis, however, to be understood that the present disclosure is not limitedthereto.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensing unit 50 a may include, in anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch conductivelayer 52, a first touch insulating layer 53, a second touch conductivelayer 54 and a second touch insulating layer 55 stacked on one anotherin the third direction dr3. According to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the second touch insulating layer 55 may be omitted.

The touch sensing unit 50 a may be disposed on the base layer 51. Thebase layer 51 may correspond to the above-described encapsulation layer40. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base layer51 may correspond to a second inorganic layer 451 (see FIG. 35) of anencapsulation layer 450 (see FIG. 35). For example, the first touchconductive layer 52 may be disposed directly on the second inorganiclayer 451 of the encapsulation layer 450. It is, however, to beunderstood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Theorganic light-emitting display device 1 may further include a touchbuffer layer, which may work as the base layer 51. The touch bufferlayer may be disposed on the second inorganic layer of the encapsulationlayer. The first touch conductive layer 52 may be disposed on the touchbuffer layer. The touch buffer layer may be configured to smoothen thesurface of the encapsulation layer 450 and to prevent permeation ofmoisture or air. The touch buffer layer may be an inorganic layercontaining silicon nitride (SiNx).

Each of the first touch conductive layer 52 and the second touchconductive layer 54 may be made up of a single-layer or a stack ofmultiple layers stacked in the third direction dr3, when the touchconductive layer is made of a single layer, it may include a metal layeror a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may, for example,include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and/or alloysthereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparentconductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and/or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). Inaddition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductivepolymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowire, graphene, etc.

When the touch conductive layer is made of multiple layers, it mayinclude multiple metal layers. The multiple metal layers may have athree-layer structure of, for example, titanium (Ti)/aluminum(Al)/titanium (Ti). The touch conductive layer may include at least onemetal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

Each of the first touch conductive layer 52 and the second touchconductive layer 54 includes a plurality of patterns. In the followingdescription, it is assumed that the first touch conductive layer 52includes first conductive patterns, and the second touch conductivelayer 54 includes second conductive patterns. Each of the firstconductive patterns and the second conductive patterns may includesignal lines 530, 540 and 550 and sensing electrodes 510 and 520.

The stacked structure and material of the sensing electrodes 510 and 520may be determined based on the desired sensitivity. The RC delay mayaffect the sensitivity. Since the resistance of the sensing electrodes510 and 520 including the metal layer is smaller than that of thetransparent conductive layer, the RC value is decreased. Therefore, thecharging time of the capacitors defined between the sensing electrodes510 and 520 is reduced. The sensing electrodes including, thetransparent conductive layer are less visible by a user as compared tothe metal layer, and the input area is increased so as to increase thecapacitance of the capacitors.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensingelectrodes, including the metal layer, may have a mesh shape to preventthem from being seen by a user. It is, however, to be understood thatthe present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thickness of theencapsulation layer 450 may be adjusted so that the noise generated bythe constituent elements of the light-emitting element layer 30 does notaffect the touch sensing unit 50 a. Each of the first touch insulatinglayer 53 and the second touch insulating layer 55 may be made up of asingle layer or multiple layers. Each of the first touch insulatinglayer 53 and the second touch insulating layer 55 may include aninorganic material, an organic material, and/or an organic-inorganiccomposite material. The inorganic material may include aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide,and/or hafnium oxide. The organic material may include an acrylic resin,a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, aurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin,a polyimide resin, and/or a perylene resin.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensing electrodes 510 and 520 may be disposedin the area falling within the display area DA1 of the organiclight-emitting display device, and the signal lines 530, 540 and 550 maybe disposed in the area falling within the non-display area NDA.Therefore, the areas corresponding to the display area DA1 and thenon-display area NDA, respectively, may be defined in the base layer 51.

The sensing electrodes 510 and 520 include a plurality of first sensingelectrodes 510 and a plurality of second sensing electrodes 520. In theexemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the first sensing electrodes510 are sensing electrodes, while, the second sensing electrodes 520 aredriving electrode. Alternatively, the first sensing electrodes 510 maybe driving electrodes while the second sensing electrodes 520 may besensing electrodes.

The first sensing electrodes 510 intersect with the second sensingelectrodes 520. The first sensing electrodes 510 are extended in thesecond direction dr2 and are arranged in parallel to each other. Thesecond sensing electrodes 520 are extended in the first direction dr1and are arranged in parallel to each other. The first sensing electrodes510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 may be insulated from oneanother and, for example, may be spaced apart from each other.

The first sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520may sense an external input by mutual-capacitance sensing. Also, thecoordinates of an external input may be obtained by mutual-capacitancesensing during a first period of time and then the coordinates of theexternal input may be re-obtained by self-capacitance sensing during asecond period of time.

Each of the first sensing electrodes 510 includes first sensor portions511 and first connection portions 512. The first sensor portions 511 arearranged in the second direction dr2. Each of the first connectionportions 512 connects two adjacent ones of the first sensor portions511. The first sensor portions 511 and the first connection portions 512may be disposed on the same layer. The two adjacent ones of the firstsensor portions 511 may be substantially physically connected with eachother through the first connection portions 512.

Each of the second sensing electrodes 520 includes second sensorportions 521 and second connection portions 522. The second sensorportions 521 are arranged in the first direction dr1. Each of the secondconnection portions 522 connects two adjacent ones of the second sensorportions 521. The second sensor portions 521 may be disposed on a layerdifferent from the second connection portions 522. The second connectionportions 522 may be disposed on a layer different from the firstconnection portions 512 and may traverse the first connection portions512 such that they are insulated from each other.

The second sensing electrodes 520 may further include stem sensors 523labeled 523 a to 523 d. The stem sensors may extend from the secondsensor portions 521. Each of the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d may have ashape that penetrates into the first sensor portions 511. This will bedescribed in detail later with reference to FIG. 5.

The first signal lines 530 are connected to first ends of the firstsensing electrodes 510. According to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the first signal lines 530 may be connected to theright ends of the first sensing electrodes 510 and may be extendedgenerally in the first direction dr1 along the right border of the areafalling within the non-display area NDA.

The second signal lines 540 are connected to first ends of the secondsensing electrodes 520. According to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the second signal lines 540 may be connected to theupper ends of the second sensing electrodes 520 and may be bent so as tobe extended generally along the left border.

The third signal lines 550 are connected to opposed ends of the secondsensing electrodes 520. According to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the third signal lines 550 may be connected to thelower ends of the second sensing electrodes 520 and may be disposedgenerally near the lower border.

As shown in the drawings, each of the second sensing electrodes 520 maybe double-routed, whereas each of the first sensing electrodes 510 maybe single-routed. The first sensing electrodes 510 may be applied with afirst reference voltage signal, while the second sensing electrodes 520may be applied with a second reference voltage signal. The firstreference voltage signal applied to each of the first sensing electrodes510 may have a voltage level that is lower than the voltage level of thesecond reference voltage signal applied to each of the second sensingelectrodes 520.

Since the second sensing electrodes 520 are applied with the signalhaving a higher voltage level, the voltage level in the touch sensingelectrode may be greatly changed depending on the distance to the signallines connected thereto. For example, if one signal line is connected toonly one end of each of the second sensing electrodes 520, the voltagelevel of the second sensor portions 521 adjacent to the end may bedifferent from the voltage level of the second sensor portions 521adjacent to the opposed end. In view of the above, the second signallines 540 and the third signal lines 550 are connected to first ends andthe opposed ends of the second sensing electrodes 520, respectively, sothat the difference in the voltage levels of the second sensor portions521 between the two ends of the driving electrodes can be reduced. It isto be noted that the number of signal lines connected to the secondsensing electrodes 520 and the arrangement of the signal lines are notlimited to those shown in the drawings.

The touch sensing unit 50 a may further include a ground line GNL. Theground line GNL may be disposed between the third signal lines 550 andthe plurality of sensing electrodes. The ground line GNL may be appliedwith a third reference voltage signal (e.g., a voltage signal having thesame level as the voltage signal applied to the common electrode). Thethird reference voltage signal may be, but is not limited to being, avoltage signal having a voltage level that is lower than that of thefirst and second reference voltage signals. The ground line GNL mayprevent coupling between the third signal lines 550 and the plurality ofsensing electrodes 510 and 520.

The ground line GNL may be further disposed between the first signallines 530 and the second signal lines 540 and between the second signallines 540 and the third signal lines 550.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pad terminalarea TPA may be formed on one side of the non-display area NDA of theorganic light-emitting display device 1. The pad terminal area TPAincludes a plurality of pad terminals connected to the signal lines. Thepad terminal area TPA may include a first pad terminal area TPA1connected to the first signal lines 530, and a second pad terminal areaTPA2 connected to the second signal lines 540 and the third signal lines550. The second pad terminal area TPA2 may include, but is not limitedto including, a pad terminal connected to the ground line GNL.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first padterminal area TPA1 may be disposed in a lower right area of thenon-display area NDA, and the second pad terminal area TPA2 may bedisposed in a lower left area of the non-display area NDA. It is to benoted that the position of the pad terminal area TPA is not limitedthereto. The position of the pad terminal area TPA may vary depending onthe arrangement needed to establish electrical connections with otherelements that may be connected to the touch member.

The first sensor portions 511 of the first sensing electrodes 510 andthe second sensor portions 521 of the second sensing electrodes 520,adjacent to each other, may for a plurality of unit sensing areas (forexample, SUT1 to SUT4). For example, halves of the two first sensorportions 511 adjacent to each other in the second direction dr2 andhalves of the two second sensor portions 521 adjacent to each other inthe first direction dr1 may form a square or a rectangle shape, with theintersections between the first sensing electrodes 510 and the secondsensing electrodes 520 in the center. The area defined by the halfregions of the adjacent first sensor portions 511 and the second sensorportions 521 may be single unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4. Theplurality of unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4 may be arranged in row andcolumn directions. The column direction may correspond to the firstdirection dr1 and the row direction may correspond to the seconddirection dr2.

In each of the unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4, the capacitance valuebetween the adjacent driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes ismeasured to determine whether or not a touch input is made, and if so,the position of the touch input may be obtained as touch inputcoordinates.

Each of the unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4 may be larger than theemission region of one pixel, which will be described later. Forexample, each of the unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4 may cover aplurality of emission regions. The length of one side of each of theunit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4 may be, for example, in the range of 3.5mm to 4.5 mm, but these regions are not limited to being within thisrange.

Next, the arrangement of the sensing electrodes will be described withreference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5 is a layout view illustrating area AA1 in FIG. 4 in the touchsensing unit 50 a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area AA2 in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 isa cross-sectional view taken along line I1-I1′ in FIG. 6 in the touchsensing unit 50 a, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I2-I2′ inFIG. 5 in the touch sensing unit 50 a according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

It is to be noted that area AA1 in FIG. 4 is shown to include four unitsensing areas, e.g., the first to fourth unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4arranged adjacent to one another in a matrix. For convenience ofillustration, the sensing electrodes 510 and 520 disposed in the firstunit sensing area SUT1 will be described. It is to be understood thatthe description of the sensing electrodes disposed in the first unitsensing area SUT1 can be equally applied to the sensing electrodes 510and 520 disposed in the other unit sensing areas (for example, SUT2 toSUT4).

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, a plurality of first sensing electrodes 510and a plurality of second sensing electrodes 520 are spaced apart fromeach other. The first sensing electrodes 510 may include a plurality ofdepressions 513 a to 513 d. The second sensing electrodes 520 mayinclude a plurality of stem sensors 523 a to 523 d that are at leastpartially surrounded by the depressions 513 a to 513 d of the firstsensing electrodes 510, respectively.

The plurality of depressions 513 a to 513 d refer to the portions of thefirst sensor portions 511 indented inwardly. The stem sensors 523 a to523 d refer to the protrusions that are extended from the second sensorportions 521 and at least partially surrounded by the depressions 513 ato 513 d, respectively. For example, the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d mayhave a shape that penetrates into the depressions 513 a to 513 d of thefirst sensor portions 511, respectively.

The depressions 513 a to 513 d of the first sensing electrodes 510 andthe respective stem sensors 523 a to 523 d of the second sensingelectrodes 520 may be spaced apart from each other.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, withrespect to the center of the first unit sensing area SUT1 (the center ofthe first connection portion 512 in the drawings), the first sensingelectrode 510 may include four depressions 513 a to 513 d and the secondsensing electrode 520 may include four stem sensors 523 a to 523 d.

The first sensing electrode 510 may include a first depression 513 athat is indented in the fourth direction dr4, a second depression 513 bthat is indented in the fifth direction dr5, a third depression 513 cthat is indented in the sixth direction dr6, and a fourth depression 513d that is indented in the seventh direction dr7. The first and thirddepressions 513 a and 513 c may be formed in the same first sensorportion 511 as each other, and the second and the fourth depressions 513b and 513 d may be formed in the same first sensor portion 511 as eachother.

The second sensing electrode 520 may include a first stem sensor 523 aextended in the fourth direction dr4 from the second sensor portion 521,a second stem sensor 523 b extended in the fifth direction dr5 from thesecond sensor portion 521, a third stem sensor 523 c extended in thesixth direction dr6 from the second sensor portion 521, and a fourthstem sensor 523 d extended in the seventh direction dr7 from the secondsensor portion 521. The first stem sensor 523 a and the second stemsensor 523 b may be formed in the same single second sensor portion 521,and the third stem sensor 523 c and the fourth stem sensor 523 d may beformed in the same single second sensor portion 521.

The first stern sensor 523 a may be at least partially surrounded by thefirst depression 513 a, the second stem sensor 523 b may be at leastpartially surrounded by the second depression 513 b, the third stemsensor 523 c may be at least partially surrounded by the thirddepression 513 c, and the fourth stem sensor 523 d may be at leastpartially surrounded by the fourth depression 513 d. The stem sensors523 a to 523 d may be extended substantially parallel to the boundarylines between the second sensor portions 521 from which the stem sensors523 a to 523 d are extended and the first sensor portions 511 disposedtherebetween.

Since the second sensing electrodes 520 include the stem sensors 523 ato 523 d, the total length of the boundary lines between the firstsensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 may beincreased, compared to when there is no stem sensors. Accordingly, thearea where the capacitance can be generated between the first sensingelectrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 is widened, so thatthe mutual capacitance C_(m) between first sensing electrodes 510 andthe second sensing electrodes 520 can be increased.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, thefirst sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 mayinclude electrodes in the form of a mesh. The first sensing electrodes510 may include a plurality of first electrode lines 511 a extended inthe fourth direction dr4, and a plurality of second electrode lines 511b extended in the fifth direction dr5 intersecting the fourth directiondr4, for example, at a right angle. The second sensing electrodes 520may include a plurality of third electrode lines 521 a extended in thefourth direction dr4, and a plurality of fourth electrode lines 521 bextended in the fifth direction dr5. The emission regions PXA_R, PXA_Gand PXA_B (see FIG. 34) of a pixel may be formed in mesh holes formed bythe first electrode lines 511 a and the second electrode lines 511 bintersecting each other and the third electrode lines 521 a and thefourth electrode lines 521 b intersecting each other, which will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 34.

The first electrode lines 511 a and the second electrode lines 511 b,which belong to one first sensing electrode 510, may be physicallyconnected to one another. On the other hand, the third electrode lines521 a and the fourth electrode lines 521 b, which belong to one secondsensing electrode 520, might riot be physically connected to oneanother. The third electrode lines 521 a and the fourth electrode lines521 b, which belong to one second sensor portion 521, may be physicallyconnected to one another. It is to be noted that the third electrodelines 521 a and the fourth electrode lines 521 b included in one of thesecond sensor portions 521 may be spaced apart from the third electrodelines and the fourth electrode lines included in another one of thesecond sensor portions.

Adjacent second sensor portions 521 may be electrically connected to oneanother by the second connection portions 522 disposed on a layerdifferent from the second sensor portions 521. For example, adjacentsecond sensor portions 521 may be electrically connected by two secondconnection portions 522 a and 522 b. Even if one of the secondconnection portions 522 a and 522 b is disconnected, the adjacent secondsensor portions 521 can be electrically connected with each other by theother of the second connection portions 522 a and 522 b.

The first connection portions 512 may be disposed not only between theadjacent first sensor portions 511 but also between the adjacent secondsensor portions 521 and between the two second connection portions 522 aand 522 b adjacent to each other when viewed from the top.

Next, the stacked relationship between the first sensing electrodes 510and the second sensing electrodes 520 will be described.

First, the second connection portions 522 may be disposed on the baselayer 51. The second connection portions 522 may correspond to the firsttouch conductive layer 52 described above. The first touch insulationlayer 53 including the first contact holes CNT1 may be disposed on thesecond connection portions 522, and a part of the second connectionportions 522 may be left exposed thereby.

The first sensor portions 511, the first connection portions 512 and thesecond sensor portions 521 may be disposed on the first touch insulationlayer 53. The first sensor portions 511, the first connection portions512 and the second sensor portions 521 may correspond to the secondtouch conductive layer 54 described above. The second sensor portions521 may be in contact with the second connection portions 522 exposed bythe first contact holes CNT1.

The stem sensors 523 a to 523 d may be disposed in the same layer as thefirst sensor portions 511 including the depressions 513 a to 513 d. Forexample, the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d may correspond to the secondtouch conductive layer 54.

Although the sensing electrodes include mesh-like electrode lines in thedrawings, this is merely illustrative. In other implementations, thesensing electrodes may be implemented as common electrode patterns. Eachof the common electrode patterns may overlap a plurality of emissionregions (for example, PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B in FIG. 34) in the thirddirection dr3.

Next, a touch event occurring in the unit sensing areas SUT1 to SUT4will be described.

FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating the touch sensingunit 50 a when a touch event has occurred, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

When a touch event occurs, there is a change in the mutual capacitanceC_(m) defined between the first sensing electrode 510 and the secondsensing electrode 520 at the point of the touch event. Referring to FIG.9, when a touch event occurs, a capacitance (hereinafter referred to asa touch capacitance) is formed between the two terminals of mutualcapacitance C_(m). The touch capacitance may include two capacitancesC_(ft) and C_(fr) connected in series.

The touch capacitance C_(ft) is formed between input means (e.g., afinger or stylus) and one of the first sensing electrode 510 and thesecond sensing electrode 520 that is applied with a detection signal DS.The touch capacitance C_(fr) is formed between input means and the otherof the first sensing electrode 510 and the second sensing electrode 520.A microprocessor may read out a sensing signal SS from the other sensingelectrode and measure, from the sensing signal SS, a change in thecapacitance ΔC_(m) occurring before and after the input from the inputmeans. The change in the capacitance ΔC_(m) can be measured by sensingthe current change of the sensing signal SS.

FIG. 9 further shows capacitances C_(bt) and C_(br) between the systemground (System GND) and the first sensing electrode and between thesystem ground (System GND) and the second sensing electrode,respectively, the capacitance between the system ground (System GND) andthe ground, and the capacitance C_(fg) between the input means and theground. The system ground (System GND) may refer to a voltage levelapplied to the second pixel electrode CE shown in FIG. 35 or acomparable voltage level. In addition, FIG. 9 shows an equivalentresistance r1 between an input pad ISU-PDT and the sensing electrode towhich the detection signal DS is applied, an equivalent resistance r2between an output pad ISU-PDR and the other sensing electrode, andequivalent resistances r3, r4 and r5 formed by the input means.

As the distance between the upper surface of the touch sensing unit 50 aand the upper surface of the cover window 601 decreases, the touchcapacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) increase. For example, for a foldableorganic light-emitting emitting display device, the distance between theupper surface of the touch sensing unit 50 a and the upper surface ofthe cover window 601 may be less than 0.5 mm in order to provideeffective folding characteristics.

As the distance between the upper surface of the touch sensing unit 50 aand the upper surface of the cover window 601 decreases, the amount ofthe signal moving along a first path C1 of FIG. 9 is decreased and theamount of the signal moving along a second path C2 of FIG. 9 isincreased.

In the touch sensing unit 50 a, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d of the secondsensing electrodes 520 are disposed in the depressions 513 a to 513 d ofthe first sensing electrodes 510, respectively, such that the areabetween the sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520is increased, and accordingly the mutual capacitance C_(m) can beincreased.

Hereinafter, a touch sensing unit, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure, will be described. In the followingdescription, elements that are not described in detail may be assumed tobe at least similar to corresponding elements that have already beendescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 to 9.

FIG. 10 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensing unit according toan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along lineII1-II1′ of FIG. 10. The examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 aremodifications of the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, respectively.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_1, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is substantially identicalto the touch sensing unit 50 a shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 except that theformer further includes a plurality of dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 dand 562 a to 562 d.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_1 may further include a plurality of dummyelectrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 d. The dummy electrodes maybe formed via the same process as the first sensing electrodes 510 andthe second sensing electrodes 520, so that they may include the samematerial and may have the same stacked structure.

The dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 d are floatingelectrodes and are not electrically connected to the first sensingelectrodes 510 or the second sensing electrodes 520. By disposing thedummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 d in this manner, it ispossible to make the boundary lines between the first sensor portions511 and the second sensor portions 521 less noticeable.

When the first sensing, electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes520 have a mesh shape, the dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a and562 d may also have a mesh shape and may be spaced apart from therespective sensor portions by several mm. It is, however, to beunderstood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_1 may include a plurality of first dummyelectrodes 561 a to 561 d disposed between the first sensor portions 511and the second sensor portions 521, respectively, and a plurality ofsecond dummy electrodes 562 a to 562 d disposed between the depressions513 a to 513 d and the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d, respectively. In asingle unit sensing region, the touch sensing unit 50 a_1 may includefour first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and four second dummyelectrodes 562 a to 562 d.

The first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d may be disposed between thefirst sensor portions 511 and the second sensor portions 521 to adjustthe spacing therebetween. The boundary lines between the first sensorportions 511 and the second sensor portions 521 may be extendedgenerally in the fourth to seventh directions dr4 to dr7, respectively,with respect to the imaginary center point of the first unit sensingarea SUT1. The four first sensor portions 511 may be disposed in a shapegenerally parallel to the directions of the boundary lines between thefirst sensor portions 511 and the second sensor portions 521.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first unitsensing area SUT1, the first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d may includea first dummy pattern 561 a extended generally in the fourth directiondr4 between the first sensor portion 511 and the second sensor portion521, a second dummy pattern 561 b extended generally in the fifthdirection dr5 between the first sensor portion 511 and the second sensorportion 521, a third dummy pattern 561 c extended generally in the sixthdirection dr6 between the first sensor portion 511 and the second sensorportion 521, and an eighth dummy pattern 561 d extended generally in theseventh direction dr7 between the first sensor portion 511 and thesecond sensor portion 521. Although the first to fourth dummy patterns561 a to 561 d are shown as having a rectangular shape in the drawings,this is merely illustrative and they may have various different shapes.

The second dummy electrodes 562 a to 562 d may be disposed between thedepressions 513 a to 513 d of the first sensing electrodes 510 and thestem sensors 523 a to 523 d so as to adjust the spacing therebetween.For example, in the first unit sensing area SUT1, the second dummyelectrodes 562 a to 562 d may include a fifth dummy pattern 562 adisposed between the first depression 513 a and the first stem sensor523 a, a sixth dummy pattern 562 b disposed between the seconddepression 513 b and the second stem sensor 523 b, a seventh dummypattern 562 c disposed between the third depression 513 c and the thirdstem sensor 523 c, and an eighth dummy pattern 562 d disposed betweenthe fourth depression 513 d and the fourth stem sensor 523 d.

The second dummy electrodes 562 a to 562 d may have a substantiallyU-shape and may be disposed to at least partially surround the stemsensors 523 a to 523 d, respectively. It is, however, to be understoodthat the present disclosure is not limited thereto and otherconfigurations may be used.

The dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 d may be configuredto adjust the distance between the first sensing electrodes 510 and thesecond sensing electrodes 520. Accordingly, a change in the capacitanceΔC_(m) of the touch sensing unit 50 a_1 may be adjusted to meet thespecifications required in the organic light-emitting display device.

Although the first unit sensing area SUT1 includes the four first dummyelectrodes 561 a to 561 d and the four second dummy electrodes 562 a to562 d in FIG. 10, the numbers and locations thereof are not limited tothose shown in FIG. 10. A single dummy electrode may be disposed suchthat it is divided into several pieces. Dummy electrodes may be disposedinside the sensing electrodes 510 and 520 to adjust the area of thesensing electrodes 510 and 520 (see FIGS. 32 and 33). In such case, thedummy electrodes may be disposed inside the sensing electrodes 510 and520 to adjust the area, so that the capacitance C_(m) of the sensingelectrodes 510 and 520 can be adjusted.

By disposing the dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 dbetween the first sensor portions 511 and the second sensor portions521, the area where the first sensor portions 511 overlaps with thesecond sensor portions 521 is reduced. Accordingly, the touchcapacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) can be reduced. As a result, it ispossible to increase a change in the capacitance ΔC_(m) before and afteran input from the input means.

Since the area occupied by the first sensor portions 511 and the secondsensor portions 521 becomes relatively small by the dummy electrodes 561a to 561 d and 562 a to 562 d, the overlapping area with the systemground (System GND) is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reducethe influence by the fluctuation of the system ground (System GND).

FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a touchsensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 13 is a layout view illustrating a portioncorresponding to area AB1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 12. FIG. 14is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to area AB2 in thetouch sensing unit of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of thetouch sensing unit 50 a according to the above exemplary embodiment,taken along line III1-III1′ of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectionalview of the touch sensing unit according to the above exemplaryembodiment, taken along line III2-III2′ of FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is anequivalent circuit diagram illustrating the touch sensing unit when atouch event has occurred, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_2, according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 12 to 17, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 except that the former further includesfirst dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and ground electrodes 563 a to 563d. In addition, the touch sensing unit 50 a_2 according to thisexemplary embodiment is substantially identical to the touch sensingunit 50 a_1 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 except that second dummy electrodes562 a to 562 d are replaced with ground electrodes 563 a to 563 d.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_2 may further include a plurality of firstdummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and a plurality of ground electrodes563. The plurality of first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d and theplurality of ground electrodes 563 may be formed via the same process asthe first sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520,and accordingly may include the same material and may have the samestacked structure.

The first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d are floating electrodes andare not electrically connected to the first sensing electrodes 510 andthe second sensing electrodes 520. The plurality of ground electrodes563 are electrically connected to the ground line GNL and are notelectrically connected to the first sensing electrodes 510 and thesecond sensing electrodes 520.

The plurality of ground electrodes 563 may include a plurality of groundpatterns and a plurality of third connection portions 564 a electricallyconnecting the adjacent ground patterns with one another.

The plurality of ground patterns 563 a to 563 d may be arranged in amatrix form. For example, the first unit sensing area SUT1 may includefour ground patterns 563 a to 563 d. The four ground patterns 563 a to563 d may be arranged in a matrix of two rows and two columns. The fourground patterns 563 a to 563 d may have a shape that is symmetrical withrespect to the imaginary center point of the first unit sensing areaSUT1. The plurality of second dummy electrodes 562 a to 562 d describedabove with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11 may be replaced with the pluralityof ground patterns 563 a to 563 d.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality ofground patterns 563 a to 563 d may include the first to fourth groundpatterns 563 a to 563 d in the first unit sensing area SUT1. The firstground pattern 563 a may be disposed between the first depression 513 aand the first stem sensor 523 a. The second ground pattern 563 b may bedisposed between the second depression 513 b and the second stem sensor523 b. The third ground pattern 563 c may be disposed between the thirddepression 513 c and the third stem sensor 523 c. The fourth groundpattern 563 d may be disposed between the fourth depression 513 d andthe fourth stem sensor 523 d. The ground pattern 563 a to 563 d may havea generally U-shape and may be disposed to surround the stem sensors 523a to 523 d, respectively. It is, however, to be understood that thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto and other arrangements may beused.

Adjacent ones of the ground patterns 563 a to 563 d may be electricallyconnected with one another by the third connection portions 564 a. In anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the third connectionportions may connect the ground patterns (e.g., 563 a and 563 b)adjacent to each other in the row direction (the second direction dr2).It is, however, to be understood that the present disclosure is notlimited thereto and other arrangements may be used.

The plurality of third connection portions may be formed via the sameprocess as the plurality of second connection portions 522, andaccordingly they may include the same material and may be formed in thesame layer. For example, the third connection portions 564 a may beformed in the first touch conductive layer 52.

The first touch insulating layer 53 may further include second contactholes CNT2 through which at least a part of the third connectionportions 564 a is exposed. The plurality of ground patterns 563 a to 563d may be in contact with the third connection portions 564 a via thesecond contact holes CNT2.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure the ground line GNLmay be a double-line structure. For example, in the area falling withinthe non-display area NDA, the ground line GNL, may include a firstground line layer GNLa formed in the first touch conductive layer 52 anda second ground line layer GNLb formed in the second touch conductivelayer 54.

The first touch insulating layer 53 may include a plurality of thirdcontact holes CNT3 through which at least a part of the first groundline layer GNLa is exposed. The first ground line layer GNLa and thesecond ground line layer GNLb may be in contact with each other via thethird contact holes CNT3 of the first touch insulating layer 53.

On the other hand, the ground patterns adjacent to the ground line GNLare connected to one another and may be connected to at least one of thefirst ground line layer GNLa and the second ground line layer GNLb. Forexample, the first ground line layer GNLa may be in contact with theground pattern. In such case, the first ground line layer GNLa may beextended to an area falling within the display area DA1, and may be incontact with the ground patterns via the fourth contact holes of thefirst touch insulating layer 53 through which at least a part of thefirst ground line layer GNLa is exposed.

The spacing between the depressions 513 a to 513 d of the first sensingelectrodes 510 and the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d can be adjusted bythe ground patterns, so that a change in the capacitance ΔC_(m) of thetouch sensing unit 50 a_2 can be adjusted.

Since the plurality of ground patterns 563 a to 563 d and the groundline GNL are all electrically connected, the plurality of groundpatterns 563 a to 563 d may be applied with the third reference voltagesignal.

A capacitance Csg between the input means and the system ground (SystemGND) can be formed. As a result, noise (so-called “re-transmission”) mayoccur.

A plurality of ground patterns applied with the third reference voltagesignal, whose voltage level is lower than that of the first referencevoltage signal and the second reference voltage signal, is disposedbetween the first sensing electrodes 510 to which the first referencevoltage signal is applied and the second sensing electrodes 520 to whichthe second reference voltage signal is applied, such that signal mayflow to the system ground (System GND) along the third path C3. Thenoise (re-transmission) may be moved to the system ground (System GND)along to the third path C3.

For example, the amount of signal moving along the second path C2 can berelatively reduced, and noise (so-called re-transmission) can bereduced. Therefore, the sensitivity (ΔC_(m)/C_(m)) of the capacitance ofthe touch sensing unit 50 a_2 can be increased.

For example, by disposing the first dummy electrodes 561 a to 561 d andthe ground patterns 563 a to 563 d, the area occupied by the firstsensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 becomesrelatively small, such that the noise can be reduced. As the areaoccupied by the first sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensingelectrodes 520 is reduced, a change in the capacitance C_(m) can bereduced. However, by increasing the length of the boundary lines betweenthe depressions 513 a to 513 d of the first sensing patterns and thestem sensors 523 a to 523 d, it is possible to further reduce a changein the capacitance ΔC_(m). In addition, by disposing the ground patterns563 a to 563 d between the depressions 513 a to 513 d of the firstsensing electrodes 510 and the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d, the noisecan be reduced, so that the sensitivity of the capacitance ΔC_(m)/C_(m)can be increased.

FIG. 18 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing unit according to theabove exemplary embodiment, taken along line IV1-IV1′ of FIG. 18.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_3, according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 18 and 19, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_2 of FIGS. 13 and 15 except that the former further includes fourthconnection portions 564 b connecting ground patterns adjacent to eachother in the column direction (the first direction dr1) (e.g., groundpatterns 563 a and 563 c) with each other in a single unit sensing areaSUT1.

In the first unit sensing area SUT1, the touch sensing unit 50 a_3 mayfurther include a plurality of fourth connection portions 564 b thatconnects the first ground pattern 563 a with the third around pattern563 c and connects the second ground pattern 563 b with the fourthground pattern 563 d. The plurality of fourth connection portions 564 bmay be formed via the same process as the plurality of third connectionportions 564 a and the plurality of second connection portions 522, andaccordingly they may include the same material and may be formed in thesame layer. For example, the fourth connection portions 564 b may beformed in the first touch conductive layer 52.

The first touch insulating layer 53 may further include fifth contactholes CMT5 through which at least a part of the fourth connectionportions 564 b is exposed. The plurality of ground patterns 563 a to 563d adjacent to one another in the column direction (the first directiondr1) may be in contact with the third connection portions 564 a via thefifth contact holes CNT5 in a single unit sensing area.

FIG. 20 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_4, according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 20, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit 50 a_3of FIG. 18 except that the former further includes fourth connectionportions 564 c connecting the ground patterns included in the unitsensing areas adjacent to each other in the column direction (the firstdirection dr1) (e.g., unit sensing areas SUT1 and SUT3) with each other.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_4 may further include a plurality of fifthconnection portions 564 c included in each of the unit sensing areasadjacent to one another in the column direction (the first directiondr1) and connecting a plurality of ground patterns adjacent to oneanother in the column direction (the first direction dr1). The pluralityof fifth connection portions 564 c may be formed via the same process asthe plurality of second to fourth connection portions 522, 564 a and 564b, and accordingly they may include the same material and may be formedin the same layer. For example, the fifth connection portions 564 c maybe formed in the first touch conductive layer 52.

FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of thetouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 22 is a layout view illustrating a portioncorresponding to area AC1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 21. FIG. 23is a layout view illustrating a portion corresponding to area AC2 in thetouch sensing unit of FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating the touch sensing unit according to the above exemplaryembodiment, taken along line V1-V1′ of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is across-sectional view of the touch sensing unit according to the aboveexemplary embodiment, taken along line V2-V2′ of FIG. 23.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_5 according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 21 to 25 is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_4 of FIG. 20 except that the third connection portions 564 a areomitted and the arrangement of a ground line GNL is different.

The ground line GNL may be extended to the upper edge as well as theleft edge of the area falling within the non-display area NDA. Theground line GNL may be disposed between the third signal lines 550 andthe plurality of sensing electrodes 510 and 520 at the left edge. Theground line GNL may be disposed so as to intersect a sensing electrodeextension 521 a at the upper edge.

The sensing electrode extension 521 a may work as a bridge electrodeconnecting the second sensing electrodes 520 with the third signal lines550. The extension of the second sensing electrodes 520 may be formed inthe second touch conductive layer 54 and may be extended from first endsof the second sensing electrodes 520 to the area falling within thenon-display area NDA.

The first touch insulating layer 53 may include a plurality of sixthcontact holes CNT6 through which at least a part of the second groundlines 540 (e.g., 541) is exposed. The sensing electrode extension may bein contact with the second signal lines 540 via the sixth contact holesCNT6 of the first touch insulating layer 53.

The ground line GNL may be connected to the ground patterns adjacent tothe ground line GNL in the region disposed at the upper edge. The groundline GNL may traverse the sensing electrode extension 521 a in a regiondisposed at the upper edge. The ground line GNL may be insulated fromthe sensing electrode extension 521 a.

The ground line GNL may include a double-line structure at the left edgeand a single-line structure at the upper edge. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, the ground line GNL at the upperedge may include only the first ground line layer GNLa. The ground lineGNL may be insulated from the sensing electrode extension at the upperedge, and the first ground line layer GNLa may be extended to the areafalling within the display area DA1 to be connected to the groundpatterns.

The plurality of ground patterns can maintain the electrical connectionwith the ground line GNL even if the third connection portions 564 a,according to the above exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,are omitted.

It is to be noted that the arrangement of the ground line GNL is notlimited to that shown in the drawings. The ground line GNL may bedisposed so as to intersect with the third signal lines 550 at the upperedge. In such case, the ground line may be disposed in the second touchconductive layer 54, and the third signal lines 550 may be disposed inthe first touch conductive layer 52 and insulated from one another. Inaddition, the ground line GNL and the ground patterns may be connectedto one another through the fifth connection portions 564 c.

FIG. 26 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of thetouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 27 is a layout view illustrating a portioncorresponding to area AD1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 26.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_6, according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 26 and 27, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 except for the shape of stem sensors 523a to 523 d.

One of the stem sensors (e.g., a stem sensor 523 a) may include one ormore regions having different widths. For example, one of the stemsensors 523 a to 523 d may have a shape whose width alternates betweenbeing small and large in the direction that it is extended. One of thestem sensors 523 a to 523 d may include a first width 523W1 and a secondwidth 523W2 that is larger than the first width 523W1. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, the first width 523W1 may rangeapproximately from 50 to and 150 μm, and the second width 523W2 mayrange approximately from 150 to 200 μm. For example, the stem sensors523 a to 523 d may have a shape including saw-tooth-like longer sides.

The shape of the ground patterns 563 a to 563 d may substantiallyconform to the shape of the border of the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d.For example, the outer border of the ground patterns 563 a to 563 d mayconform to the shape of the border of the depressions 513 a to 513 d,and the inner border of the ground patterns 563 a to 563 d may conformto the shape of the border of the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d, which hasa saw-tooth shape.

The length of the boundary lines between the first sensing electrodes510 and the second sensing electrodes 520 can be increased by the stemsensors 523 a to 523 d. Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce achange in the capacitance ΔC_(m).

Although the shape of the border of the depressions 513 a to 513 d isshown as being a straight line in the drawings, this is merelyillustrative. The shape of the border of the depressions 513 a to 513 dmay conform to the shape of the stem sensors 523 a to 523 d, which has asaw-tooth shape.

Hereinafter, modifications of this exemplary embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 28 to 31.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are layout views illustrating a part of touch sensingunits according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Touch sensing units 50 a_7 and 50 a_8, according to the exemplaryembodiments shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, are substantially identical to thetouch sensing unit 50 a_6 shown in FIG. 27 except that the formersfurther include at least one of third to fifth connection portions 564 ato 564 c.

The touch sensing units 50 a_7 and 50 a_8, according to the exemplaryembodiments, are substantially identical to those described above withreference to FIGS. 18 and 20 except for the shape of the ground linesGNL; and, therefore, the redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 30 is a plan view schematically illustrating the arrangement of thetouch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 31 is a layout view illustrating a portioncorresponding to area AF1 in the touch sensing unit of FIG. 30.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_9, according to the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 30 and 31, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_6 shown in FIG. 27 except that the arrangement of a ground line GNLis different and that at least one of the third to fifth connectionportions 564 a to 564 c is further included.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_9, according to the exemplary embodiment, issubstantially identical to that described above with reference to FIGS.21 and 22 except for the shape of the ground line GNL; and, therefore,the redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 32 is a layout view illustrating a part of touch sensing unitsaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_10, according to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 32, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_6 of FIG. 27 except that the former further includes third dummyelectrodes 565.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_10 may further include third dummyelectrodes 565. The third dummy electrodes 565 are disposed inside thefirst sensor portions 511 and may be spaced apart from the first sensorportions 511. The third dummy electrodes 565 may be formed via the sameprocess as the first and second sensor portions 521 and the first andsecond dummy electrodes 565 a and 562 d, and accordingly may include thesame material and may be formed in the same layer. For example, thethird dummy electrodes 565 may be formed in the second touch conductivelayer 54.

The third dummy electrodes 565 may have a variety of locations andshapes. Although one first sensor portion 511 includes two third dummyelectrodes 565 and the third dummy electrodes 565 have a generallytriangular shape in FIG. 32, this is merely illustrative.

By disposing the third dummy electrodes 565 in the first sensor portions511, the overlapping area between the input means (e.g., a user'sfinger) and the first sensor portions 511 is reduced Accordingly, thetouch capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) can be reduced. As a result, it ispossible to increase a change in the capacitance ΔC_(m) before and afteran input from the input means. In addition, the overlap area with thesystem ground (System GND) is reduced. As a result, it is possible toreduce the influence by the fluctuation of the system ground (SystemGND).

In order to adjust a change in the capacitance ΔC_(m), the area occupiedby the third dummy electrodes 555 may be adjusted, such that the area ofthe first sensor portions 511 can be adjusted.

FIG. 33 is a layout view illustrating a part of a touch sensing unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

A touch sensing unit 50 a_11, according to this exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 33, is substantially identical to the touch sensing unit50 a_10 of FIG. 32 except that the former further includes fourth dummyelectrodes 566.

The touch sensing unit 50 a_11 may further include fourth dummyelectrodes 566. The fourth dummy electrodes 566 may be disposed insidethe second sensor portions 521 and may be spaced apart from the secondsensor portions 521. The fourth dummy electrodes 566 may be formed viathe same process as the first and second sensor portions 521 and thefirst to third dummy electrodes 565, and accordingly may include thesame material and may be formed in the same layer. For example, thefourth dummy electrodes 566 may be formed in the second touch conductivelayer 54.

The location and shape of the fourth dummy electrodes 566 may vary.Although one second sensor portion 521 includes two fourth dummyelectrodes 566 and the fourth dummy electrodes 566 have a generallytriangular shape in FIG. 33, this is merely illustrative and the fourthdummy electrodes 566 may have different shapes.

By disposing the third dummy electrodes 565 and the fourth dummyelectrodes 566 in the first sensor portions 511 and the second sensorportions 521, respectively, the area where the input means overlaps withthe first sensor portions 511 and the second sensor portions 521 isreduced. Accordingly, the touch capacitances C_(ft) and C_(fr) can bereduced. As a result, it is possible to increase a change in thecapacitance ΔC_(m) before and after an input from the input means. Inaddition, by disposing the third dummy electrodes 565 and the fourthdummy electrodes 566 in the first sensor portions 511 and the secondsensor portions 521, respectively, the overlapping area with the systemground (System GND) is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reducethe influence by the fluctuation of the system ground (System GND).

To adjust a change in the capacitance ΔC_(m) the area occupied by thefourth dummy electrodes 566 may be adjusted, such that the area of thesecond sensor portions 521 can be adjusted.

Hereinafter, organic light-emitting display devices including the touchsensing units 50 a, 50 a_1 to 50 a_11, according to the above-describedexemplary embodiments will be described.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of area AG1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 35 is across-sectional view taken along line VI1-VI1′ of FIG. 34.

Referring to FIG. 34, the base layer 51 includes emission regions PXA_R,PXA_G and PXA_B, and a non-emission region disposed such that it atleast partially surrounds the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_Band separating the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B from oneanother. The emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B may be separatedfrom one another by a pixel-defining layer PDL. For example, in thedisplay area DA1, the portion overlapping the pixel-defining layer PDLmay be the non-emission region, while the portions not overlapping thepixel defining layer PDL may be the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G andPXA_B. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, thenon-emission region may be in the form of a mesh, but the shape is notlimited thereto.

The mesh pattern of each of the sensing electrodes 521 may define aplurality of mesh holes. The mesh holes may be formed in the emissionregions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B, respectively. The mesh holes may beincluded in the non-emission region.

The emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B may be sorted into groups bythe colors of light generated in the organic light-emitting diodes. Inthe example shown in FIG. 34, three groups of emission regions PXA_R,PXA_G and PXA_B sorted by the colors of the light are depicted.

The emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B may have different areasdepending on the colors of the light emitted from an organic emissivelayer 312 (see FIG. 35) of the organic light-emitting diode. The area ofthe emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B may be determined dependingon the type of the organic light-emitting diode. For example, theemission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B, may include a first emissionregion PXA_R, a second emission region PXA_G, and a third emissionregion PXA_B. The area of the third emission region PXA_B may be largerthan the area of the first emission region PXA_R, and the area of thefirst emission region PXA_R may be larger than the area of the secondemission region PXA_G. In this exemplary embodiment, the first emissionregion PXA_R emits red light, the second emission region PXA_G emitsgreen light, and the third emission region PXA_B emits blue light. Itis, however, to be understood that the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. According to alternative arrangements, the first to thirdemission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B may emit light of cyan, magentaand yellow, instead of the red, green and blue.

The mesh holes may be sorted into groups having different areas. Forexample, mesh holes may be sorted into three groups by the emissionregions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B associated therewith.

In the foregoing description, the mesh holes are formed in the emissionregions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B, respectively, but the present disclosureis not limited thereto. Each of the mesh holes may be associated withtwo or more emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G, and PXA_B. In addition,although the emitting regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B have differentareas, this is merely illustrative. The emission regions PXA_R, PXA_Gand PXA_B all may have the same size, and all of the mesh holes may alsohave the same size.

The shape of the mesh holes, when viewed from the top, is not limited towhat is shown herein but may alternatively have a diamond shape or otherpolygonal shapes. The shape of the mesh holes, when viewed from the top,may have a polygonal shape with rounded corners.

As the first sensing electrodes 510 and the second sensing electrodes520 have a mesh shape, the first sensing electrodes 510 and the secondsensing electrodes 520 do not overlap the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_Gand PXA_B and thus are not visible to a user who watches the organiclight-emitting display device. In addition, in the first sensingelectrodes 510 and the second sensing electrode 520, the parasiticcapacitance between the electrodes of the light-emitting element layer30 can be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 35, a base substrate 101 may be a rigid, or flexiblesubstrate. If the base substrate 101 is a rigid substrate, it may be aglass substrate, a quartz substrate, a glass ceramic substrate, and/or acrystalline glass substrate. If the base substrate 101 is a flexiblesubstrate, it may be a film substrate including a polymer organicmaterial or a plastic substrate. In addition, the base substrate 101 mayinclude fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP).

On the base substrate 101, the display area DA1 and the non-display areaNA described above may be defined.

The base substrate 101 shown in FIG. 35 may correspond to the firstsubstrate 10 of FIG. 2.

A first buffer layer 201 is disposed on the base substrate 101. Thefirst buffer layer 201 smooths the surface of the base substrate 101 andprevents the permeation of moisture or air therethrough. The firstbuffer layer 201 may be an inorganic layer. The first buffer layer 201may be made up of a single layer or multiple layers.

On the first buffer layer 201, a plurality of thin-film transistors TR1,TR2 and TR3 are disposed. The plurality of thin-film transistors TR1,TR2 and TR3 may be driving thin-film transistors.

Each of the thin-film transistors TR1, TR2 and TR3 may include a firstthin-film transistor TR1, a second thin-film transistor TR2 and a thirdthin-film transistor TR3. The thin-film transistors TR1, TR2, and TR3may be disposed in emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G, and PXA_B,respectively. For example, the first thin-film transistor TR1 may bedisposed in the first emission region PXA_R, the second thin-filmtransistor TR2 may be disposed in the second emission region PXA_G andthe third thin-film transistor TR3 may be disposed in the third emissionregion PXA_B.

The thin-film transistors TR1, TR2 and TR3 may include semiconductorlayers A1, A2 and A3, gate electrodes G1, G2 and G3, source electrodesS1, S2 and S3, and drain electrodes D1, D2 and D3, respectively. Morespecifically, the semiconductor layers A1, A2, and A3 are disposed onthe first buffer layer 201. The semiconductor layers A1, A2 and A3 mayinclude an amorphous silicon, a poly silicon, a low-temperature polysilicon, and an organic semiconductor. In an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the semiconductor layers A1, A2 and A3 may be oxidesemiconductors. The semiconductor layer A1, A2 and A3 may include achannel region, and a source region and a drain region which aredisposed on the sides of the channel region, respectively, and are dopedwith impurities.

A gate insulating layer 211 is disposed on the semiconductor layers A1,A2 and A3. The gate insulating layer 211 may be an inorganic layer. Thegate insulating layer 211 may be made up of a single layer or multiplelayers.

On the gate insulating layer 211, the gate electrodes G1, G2 and G3 aredisposed. The gate electrodes G1, G2 and G3 may be made of a conductivemetal material. For example, the gate electrodes G1, G2 and G3 mayinclude molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and/or titanium(Ti). The gate electrodes G1, G2 and G3 may be made of a single layer ormultiple layers.

An interlayer dielectric layer 212 is disposed on the gate electrodesG1, G2 and G3. The interlayer dielectric layer 212 may be an inorganiclayer. The interlayer dielectric layer 212 may be made up of a singlelayer or multiple layers.

The source electrodes S1, S2 and S3 and the drain electrodes D1, D2 andD3 are disposed on the interlayer dielectric layer 212. The sourceelectrodes S1, S2 and S3 and the drain electrodes D1, D2 and D3 are madeof a conductive metal material. For example, the source electrodes S1,S2 and S3 and the drain electrodes D1, D2 and D3 may include aluminum(Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and or molybdenum (Mo).

The source electrodes S1, S2 and S3 and the drain electrodes D1, D2 andD3 may be electrically connected to the source regions and the drainregions of the semiconductor layers A1, A2 and A3, respectively, throughcontact holes that pass through the interlayer dielectric layer 212 andthe gate insulating layer 211.

The organic light-emitting display device 1 may further include astorage capacitor and a switching thin-film transistor on the basesubstrate 101.

A protective layer 220 is disposed on the source electrodes S1, S2 andS3 and the drain electrodes D1, D2 and D3. The protective layer 220covers the circuitry including the thin-film transistors TR1, TR2 andTR3. The protective layer 220 may be a passivation layer or aplanarizing layer. The passivation layer may include SiO2, SiNx, etc.,and the planarization layer may include materials such as acrylic andpolyimide. The protective layer 220 may include both the passivationlayer and the planarization layer. In such case, the passivation layermay be disposed over the source electrodes S1, S2 and S3, the drainelectrodes D1, D2 and D3, and the interlayer dielectric layer 212, andthe planarization layer may be disposed on the passivation layer. Theupper surface of the protective layer 220 may be flat.

The first buffer layer 201 and the protective layer 220 shown in FIG. 35may correspond to the circuit layer 20 of FIG. 2.

A plurality of first pixel electrodes 311 is disposed on the protectivelayer 220. The first pixel electrode 311 may be disposed in each of theemission regions PXA_R, PXA_G and PXA_B. In addition, each of the firstelectrodes 311 may be an anode electrode of the respective organiclight-emitting diodes.

The first electrodes 311 may be electrically connected to the drainelectrodes D1, D2 and D3 (or the source electrodes S1, S2 and S3)disposed on the base substrate 101 through the via holes passing throughthe protective layer 220, respectively.

The first pixel electrodes 311 may have different areas in accordancewith the areas of the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G, and PXA_B.

The first pixel electrodes 311 may be made of a material having a highwork function. The first pixel electrodes 311 may includeindium-tin-oxide (ITO), indium-zinc-oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO),indium oxide (In2O3), and/or a material having a work function within arange of cofunctions of the aforementioned materials.

A pixel-defining layer PDL is disposed over the first pixel electrodes311. The pixel-defining layer PDL includes a plurality of openings. Atleast a part of each of the first pixel electrodes 311 is exposed viathe respective openings. The openings may have different widths inaccordance with the areas of the emission regions PXA_R, PXA_G andPXA_B.

The pixel-defining layer PDL may include an organic material or aninorganic material. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the pixel-defining layer PDL may include a material such asa photoresist, a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, a silicon compoundand a polyacrylic resin.

An organic emissive layer 312 is disposed on the first electrode 311exposed by the pixel-defining layer PDL.

A second pixel electrode 313 is disposed on the organic emissive layer312. The second pixel electrode 313 may be a common electrode extendedacross all the pixels In addition, the second pixel electrode 313 maywork as the cathode electrodes of organic light-emitting diode.

The second pixel electrode 313 may be made of a material having a lowwork function. The second pixel electrode 313 may include Li, Ca,LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, Al, Mg, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ni, Au, Nd, Ir, Cr, BaF, Ba, or acompound or mixture thereof, e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg. A low workfunction material may be any material having a work function within therange of work functions of the above-named materials. The second pixelelectrode 313 may be connected to a power line through an electrodeformed in the same layer as the first pixel electrodes 311.

The first pixel electrodes 311, the organic emissive layer 312 and thesecond pixel electrode 313 may form the organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs). In addition, the first pixel electrodes 311 and the secondpixel electrode 313 shown in FIG. 35 may correspond to thelight-emitting element layer 30 of FIG. 2.

The encapsulation layer 450 may be disposed on the second pixelelectrode 313. The encapsulation layer 450 includes an inorganic layerand an organic layer. The encapsulation layer 450 may include aplurality of layers stacked on one another. As shown in FIG. 35, theencapsulation layer 450 may be made up of multiple layers including afirst inorganic layer 451, an organic layer 452, and a second inorganiclayer 453 which are stacked on one another in this order. The firstinorganic layer 451 and the second inorganic layer 453 may includesilicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx) and/or silicon oxynitride(SiONx). The organic layer 452 may include epoxy, acrylate and/orurethane acrylate.

The encapsulation layer 450 shown in FIG. 35 may correspond to theencapsulation layer 40 of FIG. 2.

The touch sensing unit 50 a may be disposed on the encapsulation layer450 in order. The touch sensing unit 50 a may correspond to the touchlayer 50 of FIG. 2.

The cover window 601 may be disposed on the touch layer 50. The coverwindow 601 can protect the light-emitting element layer 30, the circuitlayer 20 or the touch layer 50 from scratches by an external object. Thecover window 601 may be attached to the touch layer 50 by an adhesivemember 610 such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an opticallyclear resin (OCR).

The cover window 601 shown in FIG. 35 may correspond to the secondsubstrate 60 of FIG. 2 including the adhesive member 610.

An optical member such as an anti-reflection film and a polarizing filmmay be disposed on or under the cover window 601, or a color filter maybe disposed under the cover window 601.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an organic light-emitting displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.The organic light-emitting display device 2 of FIG. 36 is a modificationin which the organic light-emitting display device 1 of FIG. 1 isbendable.

The organic light-emitting display device 2 may be foldable. Forexample, the base substrate 101 may be a flexible substrate havingexcellent flexibility so that it may be bent upon itself withoutcracking or breaking. The first and second touch insulating layers 53and 55 may include one or more of the organic materials listed above.

The organic light-emitting display device 2, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, may include a bending area BA thatcan be bent with respect to a bending axis, a first non-banding areaNBA1, and a second non-banding area NBA2 which are not bent. The bendingarea BA may include a portion of a display area DA and a non-displayarea NDA, and similarly, portions of the display area DA and thenon-display area NDA may be part of the non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2.

The effects of the present invention are not limited by the foregoing,and other various effects are anticipated herein.

Although various exemplary embodiments of the present invention havebeen disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touch sensing unit, comprising: a plurality offirst sensing electrodes extending in a first direction; and a pluralityof second sensing electrodes extending in a second direction differentfrom first direction and insulated from the plurality of first sensingelectrodes, wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes comprisesa plurality of first sensor portions, and a plurality of first branchsensor portions branched from each of the plurality of first sensorportions, wherein the plurality of second sensing electrodes comprises aplurality of second sensor portions, a plurality of second branch sensorportions branched from each of the plurality of second sensor portions,and a plurality of connection portions connecting each of the pluralityof second sensor portions with one another, wherein one of the pluralityof first branch sensor portions extends in a third direction differentfrom the first direction and the second direction, and a second branchsensor adjacent to the first branch sensor extends in a directionopposite to the third direction, and wherein one of the plurality offirst branch sensor portions is disposed between adjacent the secondbranch sensor portion and the second sensor portion.
 2. The touchsensing unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second branch sensorportions is disposed between adjacent the first branch sensor portionand the first sensor portion.
 3. The touch sensing unit of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes furthercomprises a depression between the first sensor portion and the firstbranch sensor portion.
 4. The touch sensing unit of claim 3, wherein theplurality of second branch sensor portions is surrounded by thedepression.
 5. The touch sensing unit of claim 3, further comprising: aplurality of first electrode patterns, each of which disposed between arespective depression of the plurality of depressions, and a respectivesecond branch sensor portion of the plurality of second branch sensorportions, wherein the first electrode patterns are insulated from thefirst sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes.
 6. The touchsensing unit of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of firstelectrode patterns is a floating electrode.
 7. The touch sensing unit ofclaim 5, wherein the first electrode patterns of the plurality of firstelectrode patterns are electrically connected to one another.
 8. Thetouch sensing unit of claim 7, wherein a first reference voltage signalis applied to the plurality of first sensing electrodes, a secondreference voltage signal is applied to the plurality of second sensingelectrodes, and a third reference voltage signal is applied to theplurality of first electrode patterns, and wherein the third referencevoltage signal has a voltage level that is lower than that of the firstreference voltage signal and that of the second reference voltagesignal.
 9. The touch sensing unit of claim 7, further comprising: aplurality of second electrode patterns disposed between the plurality offirst sensing electrodes and the plurality of second sensing electrodes,wherein the plurality of second electrode patterns is insulated from theplurality of first sensing electrodes and the plurality of secondsensing electrodes, and wherein the plurality of second electrodepatterns is insulated from the first electrode patterns.
 10. The touchsensing unit of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of firstconnection parts connecting each of the plurality of first electrodepatterns with one another.
 11. A touch sensing unit, comprising: aplurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction; aplurality of second sensing electrodes extending in a second directiondifferent from the first direction and insulated from the plurality offirst sensing electrodes, a plurality of first electrode patternsinsulated from the first and second sensing electrodes; a plurality ofsecond electrode patterns insulated from the first electrode patterns,and from the first and second sensing electrodes, wherein the pluralityof first sensing electrodes comprises a plurality of first sensorportions, and a plurality of first branch sensor portions branched fromeach of the plurality of first sensor portions, wherein the plurality ofsecond sensing electrodes comprises a plurality of second sensorportions, a plurality of second branch sensor portions branched fromeach of the plurality of second sensor portions, and a plurality ofconnection portions connecting each of the plurality of second sensorportions with one another, wherein a border of each of the plurality ofsecond branch sensor portions and a border of some of the plurality offirst electrode patterns has a saw-tooth shape.
 12. The The touchsensing unit of claim 11, wherein the plurality of first branch sensorportions is disposed between adjacent the second branch sensor portionand the second sensor portion.
 13. The The touch sensing unit of claim11, wherein the first electrode patterns of the plurality of firstelectrode patterns are electrically connected to one another.
 14. Thetouch sensing unit of claim 13, wherein a first reference voltage signalis applied to the plurality of first sensing electrodes, a secondreference voltage signal is applied to the plurality of second sensingelectrodes, and a third reference voltage signal is applied to theplurality of first electrode patterns, and wherein the third referencevoltage signal has a voltage level that is lower than that of the firstreference voltage signal and that of the second reference voltagesignal.
 15. The touch sensing unit of claim 11, wherein each of theplurality of second branch sensor portions has a first width in a firstregion and a second width in a second region that is larger than thefirst width.
 16. The touch sensing unit of claim 11, wherein the firstwidth is equal to or greater than 50 μm and less than 150 μm, and thesecond width is equal to or greater than 150 μm and less than 200 μm.17. A touch sensing unit, comprising: a plurality of first sensingelectrodes extending in a first direction; a plurality of second sensingelectrodes extending in a second direction different from the firstdirection and insulated from the plurality of first sensing electrodes;a plurality of first electrode patterns insulated from the first andsecond sensing electrodes; a plurality of second electrode patternsinsulated from the first electrode patterns, and first and secondsensing electrodes; a plurality of third electrode patterns insulatedfrom the first and second patterns, and first and second sensingelectrodes, wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes comprisesa plurality of first sensor portions, and a plurality of first branchsensor portions branched from each of the plurality of first sensorportions, wherein the plurality of second sensing electrodes comprises aplurality of second sensor portions, a plurality of second branch sensorportions branched from each of the plurality of second sensor portions,and a plurality of connection portions connecting each of the pluralityof second sensor portions with one another, wherein a border of each ofthe plurality of second branch sensor portions has a saw-tooth shape,wherein each of the plurality of third electrode patterns is completelysurrounded by the first sensor portions or the second sensor portions.18. The touch sensing unit of claim 17, wherein the plurality of firstbranch sensor portions is disposed between adjacent the second branchsensor portion and the second sensor portion.
 19. The touch sensing unitof claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of third electrode patternsis a floating electrode.
 20. A display device, comprising: a base layer;a circuit layer on the base layer and including a plurality of thin-filmtransistors; a light-emitting element layer on the circuit layer andincluding an organic light-emitting diodes; an encapsulation layer onthe light-emitting element layer and including at least one inorganiclayer and at least one organic layer; and a touch sensing unit on theencapsulation layer, wherein the touch sensing unit comprises: aplurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction;and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in a seconddirection different from the first direction and insulated from theplurality of first sensing electrodes, wherein the plurality of firstsensing electrodes comprises a plurality of first sensor portions, and aplurality of first branch sensor portions branched from each of theplurality of first sensor portions, wherein the plurality of secondsensing electrodes comprises a plurality of second sensor portions, aplurality of second branch sensor portions branched from each of theplurality of second sensor portions, and a plurality of connectionportions connecting each of the plurality of second sensor portions withone another, wherein one of the plurality of first branch sensorportions extends in a third direction different from the first directionand the second direction, and a second branch sensor adjacent to thefirst branch sensor extends in a direction opposite to the thirddirection, and wherein one of the plurality of first branch sensorportions is disposed between adjacent the second branch sensor portionand the second sensor portion.